The REC implements a number of support projects in SEE countries to help environmental CSOs to address the main environmental challenges in the SEE region, and to strengthen capacities and preparedness in the process of EU integration. In this context that the Regional NGO Forum on Turning Regional Challenges into Opportunities took place in Durres, Albania on May 12-13, 2015. NGOs from Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo*, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia participated in the event.
The main specific objective of the forum was to discuss climate change-related challenges, in addition to ways that NGOs can contribution to transboundary natural resource management.
The opening speech was delivered by Mihallaq Qirjo, director of REC Albania, the event's host organisation. He welcomed the participants and thanked them for their willingness to engage in discussions at this level. Regional Director of REC SEE, Gordana Kozuharova, also delivered a welcoming address to the participants. She gave a brief presentation of climate change impacts and the initiatives that the REC has undertaken and implemented to tackle this global problem-one successful example of which is integrated management of the Drini River, in the context of the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC).
Representatives of environmental organisations brought various cases from their home countries regarding cooperation between communities and environmental NGOs on cross-border projects. Participants from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia presented their experience with river basin management plans in their country. The representative of Macedonian organisation Eco Guerilla, Arian Xhaferi, emphasised environmental problems facing the city of Tetovo as a result of illegally discharged pollution.
REC Serbia representative Ivana Tomasevic presented a simulation of climate change impacts, prepared in cooperation with a number of environmental NGOs from Serbia. Four other environmental organisations discussed their approaches to climate change issues in their countries, and described the tools they use to cope with the situation. Boris Jokic from Eko Element, an NGO in Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared his experience with monitoring water resources and the impact that climate change has on these resources. Ermelinda Mahmutaj from EDEN Center in Albania gave a presentation titled "An Eye on the Environment" that dealt with environmental watchdogging and other issues related to climate change. Green Home representative Azra Vukovic outlined a number of projects that her organisation carried out in connection with energy efficiency in Montenegro.
The programme continued with presentations and group discussions, providing a good opportunity share experiences and identify partners with whom to implement regional projects.
The event was organised within the programme "Support to Civil Society Organisations in the field of Environment in Albania (SENiOR-A)", implemented by REC Albania with financial support from the Government of Sweden.
No comments:
Post a Comment